IPU deeply concerned by attack on another Afghan woman MP

Fawzia Koofi, sister of Mariam and an MP too, was also attacked in 2010. ©REUTERS/M. Ismail

IPU is deeply concerned by the shooting of Afghan MP Mariam Koofi, the latest in a string of attacks on parliamentarians in Afghanistan, particularly women legislators.

Koofi, the sister of fellow MP and human rights activist Fawzia Koofi, was wounded on 15th April whilst leaving her office and is now recovering in a Kabul hospital.

Fawzia Koofi, suffered a similar attack in 2010 while travelling with her two teenage daughters.

IPU has repeatedly called for greater efforts to protect Afghan parliamentarians, with women MPs being particularly targeted in recent times. Impunity not only violates MPs basic rights to life, security and freedom of expression, but also undermines their ability to represent their constituents effectively and to tackle the many issues their country is facing.

Women currently make up more than 27 per cent of parliamentarians in Afghanistan. Many of them are strong advocates for women’s rights on all issues, including health, education and employment.

IPU’s Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, which works to redress human rights abuses against MPs around the world, is examining cases involving Afghan MPs who have been victims of repeated attacks and intimidation.